I woke early and drove over to Rockport. First stop: the Fulton Mansion State Historic Site. Walking through the restored late 19th-century mansion, I imagined the families who lived there long ago — their daily lives, family dinners, storms weathered.
Next, I strolled to the Rockport Pier (newly renovated), casting a line off the pier’s edge and feeling the gentle sway. Kids and seniors alike fished side by side. I caught a small flounder, released it, and traded fish stories with locals.
For lunch, I visited a waterfront seafood joint and ordered oysters Rockefeller — creamy spinach, parmesan, broiled oysters — paired with crisp local salad.
Before heading back, I took photos at Rockport Beach, the calm blue-green Gulf waters lapping gently. Back at The Palms, I rested in the hot tub, then joined a community evening of bingo and potluck. I made shrimp jambalaya — shrimp, sausage, rice, peppers, tomatoes, Cajun spices — and shared with neighbors. We laughed, shared stories, made plans to fish together the next day.